Shoe



J. L. COBB SHOE May 18, 1937.

' Filed Nov. 25, 1936 Patented May 18, 1937 UNITED ST TES PATENT O IC f:

John L. Cobb, Chicago, 111., assignor of one-half to Salem N. Baskin, Chicago, Ill.

Application November 25, 1936, Serial No. 112,818

3 Claims.

My invention relates to shoes and more particularly to the counters in the heel portions thereof, and my main object is to provide a counter which provides permanent comfort in cases where the cuboidal formation of the weight-bearing arch is pronounced or abnormally projected.

A further object of the invention is to provide a counter which allows the top of the shoe to fit closely and neatly about the heel, despite the presence of a cuboidal projection in the latter.

Another object of the invention is to so design the novel counter as to relieve the outer side of the shoe from undue wear as a result of pressure by a projecting cuboidal formation.

An additional object of the invention is to form the novel counter with an extension which is attachable to the waist of the shoe for purposes of reinforcement.

An important object of the invention is to design the novel counter along lines of simplicity and compactness, whereby to be unnoticeable and adaptable to shoes of any style or design.

With the above objects in view, and any others which may suggest themselves from the description to follow, a better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe showing the novel counter by means of dotted lines;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, with the covering broken away to expose the main portion of the counter;

Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the counter in the region of the heel; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the counter.

In the highly developed art of shoe making and styling, it is of the utmost importance to combine comfort and neatness of fit with styles of the day. This is often difiicult where the foot has a pronounced cuboidal formation on the outer side of the heel, such formation not only causing discomfort when the shoe is tried on or worn, but also inducing the top or edge of the shoe to keep or bulge away from the foot. This imparts an unsightly and loose appearance to the shoe and the impression that it does not fit the foot. Also, when a shoe so fitted is worn, the pressure of the cuboidal protuberance causes friction and undue wear in the outer wall of the shoe. I have therefore devised the improved counter with means to eliminate the above deficiencies and accomplish the objects outlined above.

In accordance with the foregoing, specific reference to the drawing indicates a typical low shoe at Ill, although the novel counter is equally applicable to a high shoe, boot or any other type which encases the heel of the wearer.

The shoe counter, insofar as its rear portion l I and its base l2 are concerned, is of conventional design. The forward portion, however, has the wall l3 corresponding to the outer side of the shoe recessed with an opening M, which is archshaped and extends from an approximately medial height to the bottom of the counter, continuing across the base flange I2. The. latter is thus divided by the opening to define the rear section and a frontal section I2a.

The recessed counter wall l3'is extended from its frontal, sloped edge I3a with a strip l5 which is at a height corresponding to the waist of the shoe.

In the application of the novel counter, it is encased between the shoe lining l6 and the outer covering [1 in the conventional manner, the base being secured between. the welt l8 and the insole 1!]. The extended strip l5 issecured by the usual stitching in the lacing flap or instep, and the counter thus becomes the foundation and stiffening element of the shoe superstructure.

It is evident that the opening l4 rising from the base in the outer counter wall, and located slightly forward of the wearers heel, is at a point opposite the cuboidal region. In case the latter is pronounced or prominent, it will fill out the side of the shoe without encountering the re sistance of the hard and unyielding counter wall, making the shoe comfortable. At the same time, the upper part of the shoe wall lies close to the foot, makes a neat fit and retains its normal position as prescribed by the particular size, shape and style of the shoe. As the outer covering and lining form immediate closures for the sides of the opening l4, nodeformation of the shoe is apparent, and the same presents the appearance of other shoes of the same size and style. In fact, all shoes could be made with the improved counter, toavoid carrying a special line for feet formed with cuboidal prominence, since the fit and appearance are clearly suitable for feet of normal form.

The extended strip [5 is a stiffener and reinforcing element for the Waist of the shoe, and serves to check the collapse of the same. Being a part of the counter, the strip has a solid source and support; also, its integral construction with the counter eliminates special fastening means and other complications.

It will be evident from the above description that I have improved the conventional shoe counter with means of extreme simplicity to pro- 1. In a shoe, a relatively stifi counter therefor, the outer side wall of said counter being re cessed to provide an opening therein extending at both sides of the breast line, said opening being positioned to permit the extension of the outer cuboidal bone of a foot therethrough without distorting the counter.

2. The structure of claim 1, and the upper edge of said outer wall of said counter having an extension formed thereon, said extension extending into the lacing flap of said shoe.

3. The structure of claim 1, the upper edge of said outer Wall of said counter having an integral strip formed thereon, said strip extending into the lacing flap of said shoe.

JOHN L. COBB. 

